The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has posted their announcement of 8 endangered species decisions that will be reviewed and possibly revised because they "may have changed in a manner that does not comport with the best available science or the appropriate legal standard."

The list of 8 decisions to be reviewed include critical habitat designation for the Canada lynx, Preble's meadow jumping mouse, and southwestern willow flycatcher.  In addition, the Fish and Wildlife Service states they are already underway with revisions to the 12 month finding on the delisting of the Preble's meadow juming mouse and the 90 day finding for the white-tailed prairie dog.

At issue are decisions that were "previously influenced by Julie MacDonald in her role with the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks."

The Fish and Wildlife Service has posted both a press release and a "Q & A" document explaining more about the announcement.  In their Q & A, the Service explains that their decision to conduct the reviews was prompted by a recent hearing conducted by the House Natural Resources Committee.  The Service's announcement makes no mention of the Inspector General's report which found Julie MacDonald's interference in numerous other endangered species decisions not included on the list released today, and the Q & A document specifically denies that the review of these decisions was prompted by the Inspector General's report.